The western sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1887-1926, 1887-08-04
THEINTERNAL REVENUE
HON. j. s. HENDERSON SPEAKS
TOTHE POINT.
He is Supported In his Opinions by
Other Democratic Leaders---The
Revenue Must Go.


He is Supported In his Opinions by
Other Democratic Leaders---The
Revenue Must Go.
From the Missouri Republican.
North Carolina Democrats are no
less eager than the Democrats Of Vir-
ginia for the repeal of the Internal
revenue taxes. They complain not
only for relief from the tobacco tax,
but are quite anxious to get rid of the
tax on spirits also. Hon John 5.
Henderson, representative from the
Seventh North Carolina district, Us
one of the notably able men Of the
house and the acknowledged leader Of
the element on the Democratic side
which is so urgent in demanding the
outright repeal of the Internal Reve
nue. taxes. Mr.. Henderson was asked
to give statement of his views to the
Republican, and in response sent the
following letter:
SALISBURY, N. c., July Z, 1881
Mr.. G. w. Knapp, Washington, d.
c.: DEAR SIR-In response to your
letter of June 18th and 28th ult., |
submit the following brief statement
of my views:
2. I favor the total and uncondi-
tional repeal of the internal revenue
taxes. If this shall be found to be
impracticable, | shall support any
measure which will ameliorate the
harshness of this odious and undemo-
cratic sytem of taxation.
2. am satisfied that the country is
ready for the absolute repeal of the
internal revenue taxes on tobacco.
This proposition, if singly submitted
to the House Of Representatives, in
my opinion, will pass by an overwhel-
ming majority. The sense of the
house will also be tested next winter
on several other propositions relating
to the reformation of the internal
revenue system. The brandy taxes
should be abolished and the retail Ii
cense provisions should be elimina ed
from the internal revenue laws. |
shall introduce several bills having
the foregoing objects in view as soon
as Congress meets. A bill drafted by
me proposing "to modify the internal
revenue system of legislation" was in
troduced in the Forty-ninth Congress-
and the vote of the House was taken
thereon on March A, 1887. The vote
stood: Yeas, 139 nays, 112. Two.
thirds not having voted in favor there
of, the bill failed to pass.
3. heartily favor reduction and
revision of the tariff taxes. This is a
very difficult problem to solve, there
being so many rival and conflicting
interests to be considered and har
monized. ! ut the country expects
and demands that the Fiftieth congress
will solve the problem.
4. | do not think any material re
duction of taxation can be accom-
plished if no reduction is to be allow
ed except through the passage of bill
proposing can equal cut" of tariff anG
internal revenue taxes. / woulG
cheerfully support such bill, but
believe every scheme of this sort to bt
impracticable.
1 think the only sure way of effect
ing reduction of taxation is by sew
eral independent bills relating to the
subjects of the tariff and internal rev
enue. Each of these subjects shoult
be separately considered. In conced
ing a separate vote on tn ese questions
l do not think any Representative
needs to feel that he is sacrificing s
principle. These questions should b,
settled by the house of representative
in accordance with the will of the ma
jority, unrestrained by parliamentary
technicalities and hinderances.
| I& = Il 81
ocrats might accomplish hing BY
comforting together and freely inter
changing views. ] would be glad t,
attend such a caucus, but | do not an
ticipats much practical good to be ac
complished thereby. the rank ane
file of the party are all right. Wha
/, is wanted is united leadership.
The surplus in the treasury is
grievous burden to the tax payers ant
. should no longer be permitted. 1t
a fruitful source of extravaganza an,
, corruption, and is an svil. which erie
aloud for a remedy. Very respect
fully, JoHF S. HENDERSON.
HOW OTHERS THINK OF IT.
Mr.. Carlisle writes in advocacy O
immediate revenue reduction ana tn
reconciliation of differences of opiniol
$ ON basis that viii afford immediat
relief.
Mr.. Breckenridge of Kentuck
: agrees in this view, and indorses tn
plan proposed by us some time sine
administrator leadership and co-or
= Grafton with the party in Con gress.
Mr.. Mcmillan of Tennessee advO
Gates concessions and compromise b
repeating the tobacco tax and redu,
ing tariff taxes on the essentials {
lite.
. Mr.. Breckenridge of Arkanss
j knows of no concessions that could b
o mada except such as have been III
>, successfully offered In the past
). Mr.. Cox of New York would by a
means cultivate the graces of icon
promise" on basis of equal reductio
of tariff and internal revenue take
Mr. Wise of Virginia is opposed
the internal revenue system, but weul
be satisfied with an equal cut of il
5 ternal and tariff taxes"
Mr.. Randall of Pennsylvania d,
clares that he is not a protectioni
!. !. per Sc or free trader per se, calls f;
= the abolition of the internal revent
n system and declares that reduction
Z the tariff rate of duties should be
matter for seperate and distinct CO.